MUMMY'S MASK (Inactive)

Game Master Daniel Penfold 351

The snake creature does not appear to have noticed you

Back at the makeshift campsite, Omor sits on the floor and motions to the rest of the group. "It's not our tavern room, but sit down and rest. I think it's been a more difficult day than any of us expected."

What time is it? Based on what we have done so far today, I am assuming it is at least midday but please point out if I am radically wrong.

Omor digs through his backpack and finds one of his rations. He opens it and offers the contents to the rest of the team. "Is anybody hungry? " he asks as he offers the food to everybody.

Really would like to get everybody else's input before we move on.

Yeah about middday.

I agree I'd like to get input from the others before we proceed.

Aya, Dox and Donnen please post into the conversation

im not, i ate before coming and need to keep my figure she sits, setting out her sleeping bag and sitting on it crisscross. Her fluffy white fox tail flicking back and forth. She takes out a brush and brushes her hair. it wasnt so bad. We did well

As the group settles in to rest, there's a sound of footsteps and a rattling of metal armor from the direction that they came in. A few moments later two people arrive at the entrance to the dusty chamber - the one in front a dusky-skinned man carrying an oddly-hooked sword in one hand and a lantern in the other, with a shining coat of steel lamellar protecting him. He pauses as he takes in the scene, then sheathes his sword.

"Well!" he says strongly. "I did not expect to see all of you here. This is good, though. You have made some progress into the necropolis. Ah. Still surprised, I am, to find myself here. Never did I think that the day would truly come when I would look upon the stones laid so long ago by my ancestors."

Behind him is...

The new archeologist

Idichi steps from behind Jabari. The unassuming Mwangi man begins to bow, but halfway through decides against the gesture. He begins to wave meekly, but bails on this gesture quickly as well. He wears simple blue robes that fit him well enough and glasses that he has now become fixated on adjusting. Greetings. I am Idichi Kaburi. I am an Archivist and and research fellow from the Magaambyan academy. I apologize for my late arrival. Hopefully, I can be of assistance going forward in your expeditions. Having finally adjusted his glasses satisfactorily he looks as if he is going to try to bow again, but decides against it. This results in an awkward jerking motion as he begins fidgeting with his glasses again.

A fluffy white tail flicks back and forth , ears twitch as she hears sounds of metal and foot steps Its fine, we already ran into some trouble. nothing i could blast to pieces though. Benefits of noble blood, being so wonderful. She rises to greet the two newcomers, a cocky swagger as she walks and holds out a hand In case you don't remember, It's Aya Primrose,sorceress Supreme

LOL, we really didn't discuss how we'd do the insertion. We'll all play along but expect a bit of distance or coolness until we do a few things together. FYI... our group is called the Relic Seekers.

As he hears the sound of footsteps from behind them, Omor rises to his feet and draws his dagger. "Aya, did we leave the door at the top of the shaft open? " he asks. "I thought we were supposed to be down here alone. "

Seeing the two men arrive, Omor relaxes a bit and re-sheathes his dagger when the metal clad warrior sheathes his sword. "Yes, we didn't expect to see you down here. Your ancestors have left us in some interesting situations and I'm surprised you have not run into any of them."

"Are you looking to join the glorious association of the Relic Seekers? We do happen to have some openings. We split costs and profits equally and expect you'll use your talents to the fullest extent possible."

Was writing this and got sniped by Aya :)

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Idichi you think from the description that the creature they found most recently is an iron cobra, usually used by people as a ward against desecration in a graveyard or crypt.

The warrior puts his flickering lantern on the ground. "I am Jabari," he says to Aya, clasping her arm with his firm grip. "It is good to see you again, especially as an ally - I would not wish to be on the wrong side of a powerful sorceress! I remember seeing some of you above, when they were announcing the lots for entry into the necropolis. Truth be told I was about to leave for home demoralized when they announced that a few more entrants would be permitted and the two of us were selected! The workers above opened the aperture so that we could enter. Idichi and I decided to follow the tracks, because in a dangerous place like this it is likely safer to be with other explorers."

"It seems you are all preparing to bed down for a bit," he says. "I am still fresh from arriving recently, I would be happy to stand guard for a while if necessary."

He moves his lantern to a corner of the room and then unslings his heavy leather pack, which jangles with a variety of exploratory gear. "I have a little food and water of my own... I also brought many tools for exploring here, a crowbar, a hammer, a shovel, some rope... I have taken pains to make every effort to meet with success."

Turning towards Omor he begins,Yes, we would like to join very much so. Again, I apologize for my lateness. Sometimes academics move dreadfully slow when it comes to approving research. I will proudly join the Relic Seekers. Actually it's a perfect name as I have come from the expanse to record and catalog as many magical relics for the Academy as possible.

At the self assured confident greeting of Aya, Idichi, instantly breaks into a nervous sweat. He gives his all bowing to her. This time he awkwardly follows through. It... its... its a honor to meet you your Sorcerer Supremeness. Hopefully, I can be of some service to one with such a powerful title.

As he sits at the camp and hears the others' description of the creature he replies back almost instantaneously, That sounds like a Iron cobra he pulls out a journal and begins attempting to sketch the creature. It usually stands guard at burial sites to prevent those who would "disrespect" the undead. The sacred dead most likely rest past the snake. As friend Jabari says we are fully rested, but if need be you all should take a rest before we proceed. Even more dangerous threats will might us after the iron cobra. When he finishes telling them what he knows he shows his finished drawing proudly. Whether the drawing is good or not is debatable.

As they sit at the camp Idichi asks them questions about what they have run across since entering the tomb. He attempts to identify any other creatures or objects that they have come across. Sometimes he writes and at other times he sketches furiously in his journal hanging on to their every word.

Idichi, you also know that iron cobras usually have damage reduction and are spell resistant

After Jabari and Idichi finish their introductions, Omor replies. "And I am Omor Al'Jamous, servant of both Pharasma and the Pharaoh Kemet. May the Lady of Graves smile on both of you," he says as he makes a sign of blessing over the two of them. "Welcome to the Relic Seekers as associate partners. Please make yourselves welcome as we have a short meal. It has been quite the morning, " he continues, explaining what they have seen so far today. I don't know if we need to go into the details of every battle but feel free if you want to ask questions or get specific information. There is lots that Idichi could put in his journal.

After hearing of the Iron Cobra, Omor nods. "We have seen much left behind by Akhentepi to preserve the sanctity of this place. I was very afraid we would find much in the way of blasphemous creatures here but we have been fortunate to not see any. Like you, I take the reposed dead seriously and want to keep their honor in place."

I'm mostly ready to move; call is in Aya's hands for that. GM - Can we assume that all the stuff formerly held by Dox an Donnen is generally available to us? I'm mostly thinking of the Alchemist's fire, MW sword, and the shield which might be helpful in the near term.

Yeah it was more for flavor. We can hand wave like you guys told us everything and caught us up

Moving on is fine with me

Where to?

Back to A18?

A18 seems as good as any, sure. We've already viewed the area and discovered the metal snake.

Omor collects up his things and starts moving back to the hallway that he and Aya retreated from. He points to the corner where the metal snake is sitting. "Look there, Idichi and Jabari. That's the snake creature we have been talking about. Given what we have seen so far today, it makes me worried about another guardian or trap."

He draws his dagger just to be safe.

A sarcophagus covered in gold leaf rests on a raised stone platform in the centre of this chamber. The casket's cover is carved in the likeness of an adult man with his arms crossed over his chest, and covered in a thick coat of dust. Two ornate chests sit beyond the dais in the northeast and southeast corners, and between them stand two large funerary urns.

Jabari says to Idichi, "If you would be good enough to carry the lantern? I will need both hands for my blade and shield if we are to explore into dangerous areas." He taps his fingers on the hilt of his khopesh and brings his shield up demonstratively.

He frowns as he surveys the iron cobra and notes, "I would not wish to do battle with that thing, if it can be avoided. Eh... I fear I would dent my blade."

Once the group is ready to move on he takes up a position at the front of the group, though he defers to Idichi's directions about where he can and cannot step - wary for the possibility of traps.

"Hmm." He thinks a bit as the group enters another funerary chamber. "That... is a valuable sarcophagus. I hope that the occupant is not one of the undead."

As you get nearer the cobra starts to move

Who's getting nearer the cobra? I'm staying well away from that thing. I thought we went into another room.

im not sure we should be touching the sarcophagus

A18 is where the cobra is, apologies I was assuming you were going to move forward to investigate the sarophagus, so at the moment the cobra is NOT moving

I think Omor is outside A18 in the hall where we can see the sarcophagus and cobra but I'm not sure if everybody else is on the same page. Map is updated for Omor...maybe everybody else needs tokens?

"Agreed, Aya," replies Omor. "Last time we touched a sarcophagus, it woke up and tried to eat us. Let's be a bit more careful this time around." That was in room A15 where we went back to rest.

Then turning to Jabari, Omor catches him up on current history. "I have been concerned about the desecrated dead as well but we have seen little of those abominations so far. It's mostly been traps left behind by Akhentepi or his sorcerers to keep grave robbers from this place. We just happen to run afoul of them."

Map now updated with tokens.

"Ah, I see," says Jabari to Omor with a nod. "What else is there to explore? Surely this tomb has many secrets. Perhaps there is something else we can venture? If not, I will do my best to engage the iron cobra, but I would do best with the help of a small blessing of the gods."

If there's nothing else to visit we can tangle with the iron cobra now. Otherwise, this room isn't going anywhere - we can leave it and search someplace else. When we DO tackle the cobra I will probably need some buffs like guidance, bless, or especially shield of fath; the DR on it is going to make it a long fight.

Idichi casts detect magic in the room hoping to discover any interesting magical artifacts. I for one would like a closer look at the sarcophagus, but I understand if there are other areas the band wishes to search first Idichi pulls out his cross bow and readies it. I would also not mind seeing the inner workings of the iron cobra

Since I’ve identified the iron cobra I should be able to give a +1 insight bonus to AC, attack rolls and saving throws against exceptional, supernatural, and spell-like abilities used by the cobra.

You haven't been to A13, A14, A16 or A17 if you want to go elsewhere.

With the exception of A13 everything is behind secret doors which we have not yet detected, although I guess we would get another chance with Idichi aboard. My vote is deal with the cobra now. I've got a bless for Jabari and can still use heals for today.

"Jabari, let me know when you are ready and I can ask the Lady of Graves to look over you. The rest of us can pile in and help with the cobra by attacking from behind."

Up to you all. If you want to charge in, I'm also OK with having this be the cast of Bless should you want it (+1 attack rolls, +1 saves against fear should stack with Idichi's bonuses.

it'll be up to you guys then. My spells wont work on that thing. Magic doesnt really work on magic constructs . Im not really sure we should...grave robbing and all.

my vote is we leave it alove. Maybe these things only activate against grave robbers. Which ya know we're supposed to be avoiding doing right?

Looking down at several pages he has sketched in his journal Idichi says, It seems there are still blank areas in my map. I would very much like to see those areas as well. However, I again would not begrudge the opportunity to take a closer look at both the iron cobra and sarcophagus.

I vote other rooms first. My mind can be changed depending on how confident Jabari feels on fighting it. I also have a cure light wounds spell and scroll so if we decide to fight it and it goes long we should be ok.

"Hm, well, never leave an opening for an enemy behind you, the tacticians say," says Jabari sagely. "Can we take care of these unexplored areas first?"

I feel like we can probably beat it, but it will likely be a long combat and I'll probably need healing during it. Basically since I don't have Power Attack, the DR will really impact my ability to hurt it, and even if it only has like 2-3 hit dice it could take a while. Some back-of-the-napkin math says that, even if I hit every round, it would take an average of six rounds to defeat it. Assuming I hit 50% of the time would make that twelve rounds, all during which it's doing damage back to me or someone else in the party. Basically this will be a hard fight unless we have someone else able to throw some damage that can get through its DR.

Ok will move things on, so A13.

This short hallway narrows sharply, descending to a set of stairs that abruptly ends at a rough rock wall.

At the rough rock wall Idichi comes to a stop and crouches down. He pulls his glasses from his face wipes the lenses and studies the wall carefully. Looking the wall up and down he begins searching for a way past the wall.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"Odd. This is all finished rock-face, it would be strange to make a dead hallway like this and go to all the work to finish it - if it were unfinished it wouldn't be covered in brick-work."

Cool, on board with then new plan then.

"That is a wise move, I think, " agrees Omor. "Not allowing something to sneak up on us is a very good course of action."

As Omor moves down the short hallway and the stairs, he takes in his surroundings. "This is very odd, " he observes. "Perhaps the builders wanted to extend the tomb this direction but had their construction interrupted. "

Omor continues to examine the walls, looking for clues.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

We can always take 20 if we have 2 minutes per 5' space.

You find a carefully hidden secret door in the north wall.

At the bottom of the stairs to the west you can hear a chittering sound

After their combined efforts of finding the hidden door Idichi examines it closely. While inspecting the door he hears the chittering and jumps back in surprise. Well it seems we are not alone. Jabari would you so kindly lead the way. I think it best to meet our fellow tomb explorers. As you say we wouldn't want them to surprise us from behind.

At that he pulls out his crossbow again and readies it positioning himself toward the back of the group.

"Of course!" says the warrior. "Ah, how do you open this... ?"

He intently listens to Idichi's description, then attempts to push the door open - hopefully with his shield, so that he can have blade and shield in hand when whatever is on the other side becomes apparent.

The door opens easily. In contrast to the rest of the tomb, this rough earthern passage is not lined with masonry. At various points along the tunnel, sections of the walls have crumbled, as if something had dug small tunnels in the walls that subsequently collapsed. You can hear chittering ahead as well as the stairs to the west of where you are currently standing.

You can have knowledge nature on the strange holes in the walls

"If this is scarab beetles... does anyone have alchemical fire?" asks Jabari as he stares dubiously at the holes in the walls.

No know(nature) here.

"Yes, Jabari, we have some bottled fire from a find earlier in the tomb. " Omor digs through his pack and finds one of the bottles and hands it to Jabari. He holds on to the other one just in case.

You guys know about the loot sheet, right.

"Earlier in the day, we also attracted some attention by throwing a lighted rock down a passageway. That gave us some time to be ready for whatever it was that came out of the ground. Do you want to try that again?" he asks.

Jabari sheathes his khopesh and accepts the flask. "That seems prudent," he says.

save the flask, ill burn them myself. Should work just the same Aya follows along

Idichi peers closely at the small tunnels.

Curious!

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

ugh terrible

Idichi continues along, crossbow ready, intrigued by what could possibly have made these tunnels.

Omor picks up a small rock from the rubble that is in the tunnels and says a small prayer to Pharasma. The rock begins to glow, shining as much light as a torch. Orison: light on the rock.

Just in case there is something mean down the stairs, Omor pulls a dagger out of its sheath and holds it in his left hand. "Here we go, " Omor announces as he pitches the rock down the stairs. Let's hope it's nothing as scary as last time, he thinks. The goal is 20 or 30 feet or as far down the stairs as he thinks it could go.

Then, switching his dagger back to his righ hand, he warns the group "Get ready. You never know what this could be. " as he braces for the worst.

As your light hits the bottom of the stairs you see 2 large beetles, 2 more beetles come from the now open secret passage.

Idichi you recognise them as mining beetles. They are immune to mind affecting magic and they tend to favour bite attacks